Some of these are
said to be very ancient, and if they are ever translated into any of the
languages of civilized Europe, cannot fail to produce a deep and general
sensation. Others are more modern, the composition of those family bards
whom the chieftains of more distinguished name and power retain as the
poets and historians of their tribes. These, of course, possess various
degrees of merit; but much of it must evaporate in translation, or be
lost on those who do not sympathize with the feelings of the poet.
'And your bard, whose effusions seemed to produce such effect upon
the company to-day,--is he reckoned among the favourite poets of the
mountain?'
'That is a trying question. His reputation is high among his countrymen,
and you must not expect me to depreciate it.' [The Highland poet almost
always was an improvisatore. Captain Burt met one of them at Lovat's
table.]
'But the song, Miss Mac-Ivor, seemed to awaken all those warriors, both
young and old.'
'The song is little more than a catalogue of names of the 'Highland
clans under their distinctive peculiarities, and an exhortation to them
to remember and to emulate the actions of their forefathers.
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